Moon Gazer brewer to combat Asian hornet threat in Norfolk

Moon Gazer Ales in Hindringham has joined forces with The Norfolk Beekeepers Association (NBKA) in a special pub scheme.

The partnership aims to heighten public awareness about the threat of Asian hornets.

It is seeing the brewer producing beer mats to be distributed to pubs all over Norfolk.

The mats not only come with crucial information about the bee killers, but also instructions on how to identify them.

 Their size is 2.5cm, their body is black with yellow legs and a wide yellow stripe.

The detailed information makes it easier for the public to help by reporting sightings, living or dead.

The brewery is helping the beekeeper's campaign by producing and thousands of beer mats to be used in pubs across Norfolk (Image: Submitted)

The brewery owner, David Holliday said: “We use local honey in producing some of our beers, and Pat from the NBKA was chatting to us about the threat to the honey supply caused by the Asian hornet and how they needed public awareness and help.

“A beer mat seemed an obvious choice since people can have the time to take in the information and it's also a manageable size to pop in your pocket.”

The hornets pose significant harm not only to native bees but also to ecosystems at large.

Just one Asian hornet can kill 50 honey bees a day.

The role the bees play in the ecosystem makes it essential to report hornet sightings to NBKA.

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Pat Marshall, from NBKA, said: “The bees have no defence and this is a very real threat to them and the biodiversity they bring – which impacts all of us.

"The support of Moon Gazer and Norfolk pubs is greatly appreciated.

“It's key that they are not allowed to take a hold in Norfolk."

To report sightings, use the Asian Hornet Watch app or email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk, which will be relayed to the National Bee Unit.